Russia's Sultan Ibragimov easily outpointed Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs for the WBO title on Saturday.

Ibragimov's quick left hands dominated the listless Briggs to earn a 12-round decision.

"Tonight I will go to sleep as champion and will wake up as champion, and we'll see what happens after that," the 32-year-old Ibragimov said.

What happened for Briggs was simple: nothing.

The 35-year-old American pawed and postured, rarely throwing anything dangerous. His performance made his win over Sergei Liakhovich last November 4 for the crown look like a fluke - Briggs scored a last-minute knockout when he was well behind.

There would be no such heroics this time. Ibragimov swept the scorecards, then leaped in the air in the ring when the decision was announced.

"Shannon was a very tough guy,' Ibragimov said charitably. "I had to be real careful, I had to respect Briggs' power. I didn't like that kind of fight and I don't like to fight like that."

Members of former Soviet republics now hold all four heavyweight belts.